UFC Heavyweight Champion Sentenced To 5 Years After Shooting At Man Accused Of Molesting His Son

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velásquez has been sentenced to five years in prison for attempted murder after chasing and firing at a man accused of molesting his 4-year-old son.

In February 2022, Velásquez engaged in an 11-mile high-speed car chase through Santa Clara County, California, pursuing 43-year-old Harry Goularte Jr., who had been accused of sexually abusing Velásquez’s young son at a daycare center run by Goularte’s mother.

Velásquez crashed his truck into Goularte’s vehicle and then fired a handgun multiple times into the car. Goularte’s stepfather was injured during the shooting; however, Goularte was not.

According to the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office:

“Velasquez began shooting at the victims at a Morgan Hill intersection. As they tried to flee, he rammed their vehicle and fired more rounds at them.”

The Legal Outcome

Velásquez faced multiple felony charges, including attempted murder. The DA’s office sought a sentence of 30 years to life. The defense had asked for time served and probation. Instead of agreeing to the deputy district attorney’s recommendation, Velásquez received a five year prison sentence from the judge. He has already served three years while awaiting trial.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest—if not the greatest—heavyweight champion in UFC history, the sentencing has sent shockwaves through the MMA world.

A wave of support has poured in from current and former fighters, many of whom have expressed disbelief, solidarity and sympathy for the fallen champion.

Status of the Accused

Harry Goularte Jr., the man accused of molesting Velásquez’s son, is not currently in custody.

Goularte is facing felony child molestation charges. He is out on GPS-monitored release as he awaits trial.

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